Military
ENHANCING NAF COMBAT POWER: CAS LEADS TECHNICAL TEAM TO ITALY FOR M-346 JET, AW-109 TREKKER HELI PROCUREMENT
ENHANCING NAF COMBAT POWER: CAS LEADS TECHNICAL TEAM TO ITALY FOR M-346 JET, AW-109 TREKKER HELI PROCUREMENT
By: Our Reporter
A team of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) experts, led by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, along with officials from the Ministries of Defence and Finance, recently participated in a Programme Management Review Meeting in Italy with Messrs Leonardo S.p.A.
The meeting aimed to finalise arrangements for the NAF’s acquisition of 24 M-346 Fighter Ground Attack (FGA) jets as well as an additional 10 AW-109 Trekker helicopters to the 2 already procured by the NAF.
While in Italy, the CAS made a strategic stopover at the Leonardo Headquarters in Rome, where he engaged with top executives to consolidate a long-term partnership between the NAF and the company. He also inspected the first batch of 6 M-346 jets, noting that 3 are nearing completion, and evaluated key support systems required to boost the NAF’s operational readiness.
In the Review Meeting, the CAS received updates on the delivery schedules, confirming that the first 3 units of 24 M-346 aircraft to be built for Nigeria are expected by early 2025, with subsequent deliveries running until mid-2026. Meanwhile, with 2 Trekkers already acquired, the additional 10 are expected by early 2026.
The CAS recommended the establishment of a Programme Management Office to oversee the collaboration and ensure smooth project implementation. He also stressed the need for a maintenance hub in Nigeria to provide long-term support, especially for the M-346 fleet.
As part of the visit, the Leonardo Aircraft Division put on an aerial display to showcase the performance of the M-346 and highlight its advanced features. Capable of both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, the M-346 will significantly strengthen Nigeria’s air combat capabilities.
On its part, the AW-109 will bolster combat support roles such as Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), tactical airlift and Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) amongst others.
The M-346 and Trekker acquisitions are key steps towards fleet renewal, in consonance with the CAS Command Philosophy to transform the NAF for greater agility and resilience, with emphasis on the optimization of force structure and establishment for enhanced operational effectiveness.
Ends
Military
Military Air Strike Kills Over 40 ISWAP Fighters, Destroys Vehicles in Badu Village in Borno
Military Air Strike Kills Over 40 ISWAP Fighters, Destroys Vehicles in Badu Village in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
A preliminary intelligence assessment has indicated that a military air strikes on an Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) position at Badu village, south of Gudumbali in Borno State, killed more than 40 fighters and destroyed two vehicles and about 20 motorcycles.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the strike, conducted on Oct. 10, targeted a concentration of ISWAP’s elite Murabitun fighters believed to have been deployed in the area for mobile patrols and surveillance.
According to the preliminary intelligence report, a prominent Qaid (commander) was among those reportedly killed, while the majority of the casualties were recorded inside and around a building hit during the air operation.
The Murabitun fighters are described as an elite mobile patrol element of ISWAP, typically deployed for periods of two to four weeks to conduct opportunistic attacks and provide early warning along the Gudumbali–Kukawa–Gajiram corridor.
Their reported mission in the area is to deter the advance of Nigerian troops towards the Lake Chad region.
Sources further said that ISWAP elements arriving from the Lake Chad area visited Badu at first light on Oct. 11 to evacuate surviving casualties and recover those affected by the strike.
The sources also alleged that the arriving fighters engaged Fulani herders around the abandoned village.
Further details on the incident, including the circumstances surrounding the reported engagement with the herders, were still being awaited as of the latest intelligence update.
Military Air Strike Kills Over 40 ISWAP Fighters, Destroys Vehicles in Badu Village in Borno
Brig.-Gen. Ayoola Takes Over as Chief of Staff of Operation Enduring Peace
By Zagazola Makama
Brig.-Gen. T.A. Ayoola has taken over as the Chief of Staff of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) from Brig.-Gen. M.S. Sule in Jos, Plateau State.
The handing and taking over ceremony took place at about 1:00 p.m. on Oct. 10 at the Headquarters of Operation Enduring Peace, Jos.
Security sources said the ceremony was conducted smoothly, marking the formal transfer of responsibilities from the outgoing Chief of Staff to his successor.
Brig.-Gen. Sule handed over the position to Brig.-Gen. Ayoola during the brief ceremony.l
Operation Enduring Peace is responsible for security operations aimed at maintaining peace and stability across its area of responsibility in Plateau State and surrounding communities.
Brig.-Gen. Ayoola Takes Over as Chief of Staff of Operation Enduring Peace
COAS Deepens Military-Traditional Institution Partnership for National Security
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with traditional institutions and host communities to enhance intelligence gathering and national security.
Shaibu gave the assurance on Friday, Oct. 9, when he paid homage to the Andoma of Doma Kingdom, His Royal Highness Alhaji Dr Ahmadu Aliyu Ogga Onawo, at his palace in Doma, Nasarawa State.
The COAS was in Doma for the graduation ceremony of an elite Special Forces Battalion trained at the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in the kingdom.
He acknowledged the strategic role of traditional institutions and host communities in intelligence gathering, early warning, community trust and the promotion of sustainable peace.
Shaibu appreciated the Andoma and the people of Doma for their continued support and hospitality, stressing that a whole-of-society approach remained vital to addressing contemporary security challenges.
He noted that cooperation between the military, traditional rulers and local communities was essential to strengthening security operations and building public confidence.
In his response, the Andoma commended the COAS for his leadership and the establishment of the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in Doma, describing the facility as a significant contribution to the kingdom.
The traditional ruler pledged the continued support of the institution and the people of Doma to the Nigerian Army, while offering prayers for lasting peace, stability and security across the country.
The visit underscores the importance of civil-military cooperation and the role of traditional institutions in supporting security efforts and fostering peaceful coexistence in host communities.
COAS Deepens Military-Traditional Institution Partnership for National Security
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